Curly's Photo and Fishing Blog
Fishing Slow This Weekend
Most reports I have got is fishing is still slow as we are in the Feb doldrums.
FISHING CONDITIONS ON LAKES CADILLAC AND MITCHELL
FROM PILGRIM VILLAGE FISHING SHOP
We experienced a short warm spell this weekend. Mid thirty temperatures, no wind and plenty of sun! It was so comfortable that shanties weren’t necessary. Hole hopping was easy for those with gas augers. Those using hand augers didn’t move much.
For some unexplained reason, some are catching the biggest crappies of the year. The past 2 weeks we’ve measured the best of the season. Many are Master Angler size, over 14 inches. These slabs cover a dinner plate. Don’t know where they’ve been all season but it’s fun fishing now.
The crappie pattern hasn’t changed. Dark to late morning is good, but 4:30ish into dark is best. After dark some are using underwater lights (smelt lights) attracting them the same principle as smelt. It works.
The darker it is the more aggressive they are, bright days often they’ll just mouth a bait. Set your hook after any movement. Small minnows are their traditional favorite food, but spikes and waxworms catch their share. Those using both let the specks tell them what they want.
Six year old Stephanie Grames is holding 2 slabs caught on Lake Mitchell.
Ryan Nicholas traveled from Battle Creek to take advantage of the crappie fishing.
Nice size crappie and pike were caught by Cody Freese and Chris Baker while fishing on Lake Cadillac.
Aaron French from Reed City with a 14 ¼ inch crappie.
A short drive from Mesick, Johnnie Leigh caught his biggest pike ever while fishing Lake Mitchell. He was proud of his trophy.
Tasty smelt are available on the Big 3 - Crystal, Green and Higgins Lakes. Most catches are in the 50 to 100 range. Those investing more time, or hitting it just right talk about buckets filled with hundreds. Remember there is now a creel limit of 2 gallons.
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